Twenty-two BHSU photography students chosen as finalists; one receives honorable mention in annual international competition

Twenty-two Black Hills State University photography students were chosen as finalists in the 31st Annual College Photographers Competition by Photographer’s Forum magazine. One student, Rebecca Gage, sophomore mass communication major from Sisseton, earned an honorable mention for her rodeo photo.

“I was knocked off my socks," says Gage after learning her photo was selected for honorable mention. According to Gage, the inspiration for her photo comes from being around horses and animals her whole life. "They are predictable. I know how they move so I knew just where to position the camera," she said.

Gage says she chose BHSU because of the exceptional photography program. “I looked at a lot of colleges, but I always had a desire to go to BHSU and knew the exposure of BHSU student photographers was really great. I am really happy with the photography program and owe it all to my photography instructors, Steve Babbitt and Jerry Rawlings,” she said. This was the first time Gage submitted an entry into the contest.

The annual international competition, sponsored by Nikon camera, draws submissions from art schools and universities from around the world. In this year’s competition more than 15,000 photographs by over 1300 photography students were submitted for consideration. The top four percent of entries submitted were chosen as finalists. From these finalists the judges chose the top 100 submissions for honorable mentions.

More than 20 Black Hills State University photography students were chosen as finalists in the 31st Annual College Photographers Competition by Photographer’s Forum magazine. Rebecca Gage, sophomore mass communication major from Sisseton, received an honorable mention for her rodeo photo. Gage was one of 100 international submissions to be chosen for the honor.

Competing against the world’s finest art and photography schools, BHSU students dramatically increased their standing in this year’s competition by doubling the number of students accepted as finalists over last year. “Our students continue to excel due to their dedication and commitment to their work. Regardless of their chosen path in photography, BHSU students continue to push boundaries and achieve at a high level. They are an amazing bunch,” said Babbitt.

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